THE love which I owe and bear to you for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, constrains me to send you a few lines immediately upon my arrival at my native country.—I arrived at New-haven in Sussex the 8th instant, after a six weeks passage. Hither the cloud seemed to move, though I must own that I left America with regret.—Never was the door opened wider in those parts for preaching the everlasting gospel, than now.—Perhaps this may shorten my stay at home, but future things belong to Jesus. It is not in man to direct his steps.—Prepare us, O Lord, for whatever thou hast prepared for us! I hear, you have met with changes since my departure.—What have we to do to expect any thing else? Dear Mr. M——n!—Whither is he gone? Where Jesus reigns, and where, through rich and sovereign grace, even ill and hell deserving I, hope ere long to be.—Hasten, glorious Emmanuel, that wished-for time!—If your dear yoke-fellow is also gone, she I trust is happy too.—Sequar, etsi non passibus æquis.—You will write soon, and send me some news about the upper world.—This is scarce worth a thought.—I hope my dear host and hostess, Mr. S——, Mrs. M——, and all friends are well.—I can only send them and you my hearty love, and beg the continuance of your prayers for, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MLXXVIII.
To Lady H——n.
London, May 13, 1755.
Ever-honoured Madam,
SINCE I put my letter into the office on Saturday night, I have heard that your Ladyship was gone to Ashby, and therefore make bold to trouble your Ladyship with a few more lines. They leave me safely arrived at my desired port, and endeavouring to begin to do something for him, who hath loaded me with his benefits, and still continues to smile upon my feeble labours. Glad am I to hear, that so many have lately been stirred up to preach a crucified Saviour. Surely that scripture must be fulfilled, “and many of the priests also were obedient to the word.” The work is of God, and therefore must prosper. Blessed be his great name, for continuing to hold your Ladyship as a star in his right-hand. May you shine more and more till the perfect day! I find your Ladyship still delights to do good. The late benefaction for Bethesda came very opportunely; God will provide! That institution begins to rise. But I cannot descend to particulars now; ere long I hope to wait on your Ladyship at Bristol. My first circuit is to be in the west. Hoping to be favoured soon with a line to acquaint me of your Ladyship’s welfare, and earnestly praying that your Ladyship and honoured relations may be filled with all the fulness of God, I beg leave to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s, &c.